Category: Homework

What Am I…Chopped Liver?

B1 – Intermediate

As a member of a group, we feel important and needed when our opinion or presence is recognized. In situations when our feelings tend to be overlooked, we feel less relevant. We tend to ask, “What am I…. chopped liver?” Does this expression make sense?

Check out this lesson to learn more about the expression “What am I… chopped liver?”.

What Am I, Chopped Liver?

Discussion Questions:

  1. What does the expression “What am I chopped liver?” mean?
  2. What is the origin of this expression?
  3. Have you ever been ignored or overlooked before? How did you react to this situation?
  4. How do you make people around you feel important?

Aromatherapy: Uses, Facts and Health Benefits

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Aromatherapy or essential oil therapy refers to a range of traditional or alternative therapy that uses essential oils and other aromatic plant compounds. It has been used for thousands of years, with the aim of improving a person’s health or mood. Aromatherapy applications include massage, topical applications, and inhalation.

Watch the video to know more about it and be able to answer the questions that follow:

Discussion Questions:

  1. What springs to your mind when you hear the word “aromatherapy”?
  2. What do you know about “aromatherapy”?
  3. Do you think it is a good form of treatment? Why/Why not?
  4. Would you like to try it to treat your illness?
  5. How does your society view this traditional treatment?

Astronauts Bake First Space Cookies Ever

B1 – Intermediate

Astronauts have baked cookies in space for the first time ever. Normally, space food is prepared on Earth and then astronauts heat them up there before eating them. But now, they can bake in space too.

Read more about this news from the link below.

https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2001/200128-space-baked-cookies-0.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your reaction to this news?
  2. Do you know anything about baking? Why or why not?
  3. Talk about your favorite bakery and your favorite baked products.

Keep Someone at Arm’s Length

B1 – Intermediate

It is good to keep a healthy relationship. It helps us become better people. However, there are some relationships that are too toxic that they would bring more harm than good. Do you opt to stay or do you keep them at arms’s length?

Watch the video and learn what the expression “keep someone at arm’s length” means.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Have you been in any form of unhealthy relationship? If yes, how long did it last? Is it still ongoing?
  2. Have you had to cut ties with people that you feel are not contributing to your wellbeing?
  3. Is it difficult to end a toxic relationship?

The Real Reason Conspiracy Theories Work

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Conspiracy theories are defined by Merriam-Webster dictionary as a theory that explains an event or set of circumstances by usually powerful conspirators in which existed for about a hundred of years and it continues to flourish until the present time and with the power of the internet, it has quickly accelerated and grown its power. However, is it social media sites’ responsibility to make sure that the videos they promote more likely meet the standard of truth? Or is it our sole responsibility as viewers to verify the accuracy of a certain claim?

Watch the video below that explains why humans fall for conspiracy theories.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Do you believe that conspiracy theories are dangerous?
  2. Have you seen any conspiracy theories featured on TV or YouTube?
  3. How do you know if the video is factual or fabricated?
  4. Why do you think it is becoming popular on social media?
  5. Do you think conspiracy theories are just interesting and fun or do you think it could present serious consequences?
  6. Talk about a conspiracy theory that you believe in.

Is It a Good Idea to Have a Tattoo?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Nowadays, many people have tattoos and having it has become more socially acceptable. More and more people are using tattoos to represent their hardships or in memory of family, friends, and love ones. Some people consider tattoos a work of art that lets them express themselves. Different people get their tattoos for different reasons and most of the time, it’s sentimental.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-191024

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons people get tattoos?
  2. What is your opinion about people who have tattoos?
  3. Would you like to have a tattoo? What would it be and why?
  4. What are the pros and cons of getting a tattoo?
  5. What are the differences of tattoos before and now?

Why Does Seeing Someone Yawn Make You Yawn?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Yawning is an involuntary reflex of opening the mouth and inhaling in deeply followed by an exhalation of breath. There are a lot of theories regarding yawning. It is said that it’s a sign of being fatigue, bored, or drowsy. One interesting fact about yawning is that it is contagious. If you see, hear, read, or even think about it can make you yawn.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200102

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are the reasons you yawn?
  2. Why are yawns contagious?
  3. What do you do to stop yawning?
  4. Is it disrespectful to yawn when somebody is talking?
  5. What should you do if you are caught yawning?

Does It Make Sense to Pay People to Have Kids?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Most European countries are struggling with population slowdown. Several countries are trying to provide financial inducements to deal with this problem and prevent imminent consequences in the future – but just how effective are these measures?

Read this article and watch the video to see all compelling points around this incentive.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20191017-does-it-make-sense-to-pay-people-to-have-kids

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on the ‘baby bonus’?
  2. What do you think are the strong and weak points of this measure?
  3. Do you think this kind of bonus would soon be implemented in your country too? Why or why not? What are other good family policies do you have in your country?
  4. Do you agree or disagree that people’s attitudes to having children at all have changed over time? Cite situations to support your stand.
  5. What are other means to reverse shrinking population?

South Korean Men Leads Beauty Market

B2 – Upper Intermediate

South Korean men have begun spending more money on beauty and skincare products. This has become a trend to which men conform more to using cosmetics products that enables them to improve their appearance. Will the Western men’s definition of beauty change because of this fashion?

Let’s read more about it in the article below.

https://edition.cnn.com/style/article/south-korea-male-beauty-market-chanel/index.html

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your opinion about male beauty?
  2. How is vanity among men viewed in your country? What do you personally think when a man takes care of his skin so much and/or puts on some makeup?
  3. What is your beauty obsession? Why?
  4. How do makeup and beauty products affect masculinity?
  5. Should we associate beauty rituals with femininity or with self-care and success?

Is It Good to Disagree?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We often find ourselves in disagreement with others. It’s inevitable to have it with your friends, family, colleagues, or even strangers. Experiencing this could give you a headache especially if it ends badly. However, disagreements are not always bad. Sometimes it’s necessary and surprisingly healthy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/6-minute-english/ep-200206

Discussion Questions:

  1. Dalai Lama said “Disagreement is something normal”. Do you agree or disagree?
  2. How is disagreeing a bad thing and a good thing?
  3. What are the usual things that you disagree with with other people?
  4. How would you explain the phrase “agree to disagree”?
  5. Do you think that people should always compromise? Why?
  6. How can disputes be settled amicably?